10 Best Days Out with the Kids That Everyone Will Enjoy
Planning days out with the kids isn’t always easy. You want something fun for them, simple for you, and worth the effort. The good news? The UK is packed with options. From theme parks and attractions to hands-on museums and picture-perfect gardens, there’s plenty to keep the whole family smiling. Here are ten ideas to get you started, plus a few handy tips to make your outings run smoothly.
Family-Friendly Days Out in 2025: 10 Fun Ideas
Every family looks for something different. To help you plan, we’ve pulled together ten of the best days out with kids in the UK. From big-ticket favourites and camping fun to free walks and seaside classics, read on to find your next trip.
1. Alton Towers - Staffordshire
As the UK’s largest theme park, Alton Towers packs in more than 40 rides and attractions for all ages. Thrill-seekers can take on The Smiler with its record 14 inversions or drop into Oblivion’s vertical plunge. Younger visitors aren’t left out. CBeebies Land is full of gentler rides and interactive fun. It’s a rare spot that keeps toddlers, teens, and parents all entertained.
2. SEA LIFE London Aquarium - London
Right by the South Bank, SEA LIFE London is a good pick for younger kids. Sharks glide past, rays swoop overhead, and interactive tanks keep little hands busy. Tickets can add up, but combo passes with the London Eye or other attractions help stretch your budget further.
3. Folkestone Three Peaks Challenge - Kent
For a cheap day out with children, the Folkestone Three Peaks walk is a fun adventure. The 3-mile loop takes in Castle Hill, Round Hill, and Sugarloaf Hill, with plenty of fresh air and scrambles along the way. Children often love sliding down Sugarloaf’s grassy slopes, simple, muddy fun that makes for great memories.
4. LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort - Berkshire
If your children love Lego, this one’s a no-brainer. LEGOLAND has more than 55 rides, shows, and play zones to dive into. Pirate Shores is a summer hit, and in winter the park goes full festive, complete with lights and seasonal shows.
5. Warwick Castle – Warwickshire
With more than 1,100 years of history, Warwick Castle is packed with family-friendly attractions. Kids can burn off energy in Zog Playland, teens can test their nerves in the Dungeons, and everyone can enjoy panoramic views across the 64 acres of grounds and gardens.
6. Viking Bay Beach - Kent
Viking Bay in Broadstairs is a classic sandy beach, perfect for seaside fun with buckets, spades, and a picnic. During the school holidays, the bay comes alive with free firework nights and live music at the bandstand, making it an ideal spot for a memorable day out with the kids.
7. Lightwater Valley - North Yorkshire
Lightwater Valley is often described as a “first theme park,” and it’s easy to see why. Most rides are designed with children under 12 in mind, queues are short, and the park’s smaller size makes it less overwhelming. Seasonal events keep it fresh. Frightwater Valley at Halloween, firework displays in autumn, and plenty of themed weekends bring extra energy to the park.
8. Whipsnade Zoo - Bedfordshire
Set in the Chiltern Hills, Whipsnade is the UK’s largest zoo, covering 600 acres and home to more than 11,000 animals. Kids can spot lions, tigers, rhinos, and elephants, before wandering through the penguin pool, aquarium, or butterfly house. With wide open space and so much variety, it’s one of the best places for a full day of adventure and discovery.
9. Hartington Hills - Staffordshire
Nestled in the White Peak, Hartington Hills campsite offers families a peaceful escape with ponies, chickens, and a small play area for children. Firepits are allowed, perfect for toasting marshmallows, and the site provides excellent facilities. Nearby walks, caves, and the traffic-free Manifold Way make it ideal for outdoor adventures.
10. London Bus Tours for Kids - London
London can feel overwhelming with children, but Tootbus Kids Tours make it manageable. These open-top rides are shorter than standard tours, with fun commentary designed for younger audiences. It’s just the right length for little ones, with plenty of big landmarks to spot along the way.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip
Ready to start packing the snacks and loading up the car? Whether you’re heading to a big theme park, the seaside, or a campsite, a few small steps make days out with children smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind:
Book Early and Check Times
Many popular attractions now run on timed entry, so booking ahead is almost always worth it, especially if you’re visiting during peak school holiday weeks. Not only do you skip queues, you often save a bit of money too.
It’s also worth checking the opening hours before you set off. Some places close earlier than expected, especially in winter. Knowing what’s on that day, from live shows to seasonal events, helps you make the most of your visit.
Dress for the Weather
British weather is unpredictable, so layers are your best friend. A thin waterproof, spare socks, and a warm jumper fit easily into a bag and keep everyone comfortable if the skies change. For younger children, always pack a full spare outfit. Spills and muddy adventures are practically guaranteed.
Bring Snacks and Drinks
Hungry children rarely enjoy queuing. Bring familiar snacks in small containers and a refillable water bottle for each child. It’s cheaper than buying food on site and cuts down on waste. A couple of treats tucked away can also work wonders when patience is running low.
Pack the Essentials
A packet of wipes and a travel bottle of hand sanitiser don’t take up much room but solve endless problems: sandy hands, sticky ice-cream faces, or muddy shoes. It’s also worth thinking about comfort items. A small blanket doubles up for impromptu picnics, buggy naps, or sitting on damp grass. Sun cream and hats in summer, or gloves in winter, make the difference between a fun day and a miserable one.
Don’t Forget the Power Bank
Phones work hard on family days out, from scanning digital tickets and looking up directions to snapping photos and keeping kids entertained with music or games on the journey. A reliable power bank can save you from the dreaded “low battery” moment halfway through the day.
The EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank (25,000mAh, 170W, 100W Built-In and Retractable Cables) is well-suited to long walks, zoos, or theme parks. With enough charge for four or five full phone refills, it keeps the whole family connected.
The built-in retractable and lanyard USB-C cables stop you rummaging for wires, and the ability to charge up to four devices at once means parents and kids can share without arguments. A smart TFT display shows live charge status, and back at home, the unit reaches 50% in just about 26 minutes.
EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank (25,000mAh, 170W, 100W Built-In and Retractable Cables)
For families who prefer to travel a little lighter but still want reliable charging, the EcoFlow RAPID Pro Power Bank (20,000mAh, 230W, 100W Built-In Cable) is another solid option.
With one retractable 100W USB-C cable plus three USB-C ports, it supports charging multiple devices at once, whether that’s your phone, your earbuds, or your kid’s iPad. Its 20,000mAh size gives your multiple charges, and a clear LCD display makes it easy to track remaining power at a glance.
Save Where You Can
Family outings can add up fast, but there are easy ways to keep costs in check. Look for family passes or bundle tickets with nearby attractions. They’re often better value than paying separately.
Packing your own lunch makes a difference too, and many places now have picnic spots. Going outside peak times, like weekdays or early in the season, can mean cheaper prices and fewer crowds.
Keep the Pace Realistic
It’s tempting to cram in as much as possible, but kids run out of steam quickly. Pick a couple of main highlights and let the rest unfold at a slower pace.
Breaks and snack time matter as much as the attractions themselves. A sit-down with an ice cream can do wonders for energy levels. If you can, arrive a little earlier or later than the rush to make the day feel calmer.
Leave Room for Flexibility
Even the best-made plans sometimes change. Talk to the kids before you set off and let each of them choose one “must-do” activity. That way, everyone has something to look forward to.
If weather or energy levels don’t cooperate, switch things up. Stop at a park, take a café break, or head somewhere indoors. Often, the most memorable moments come from the unexpected parts of the day.
Power up for Camping and Longer Trips
When you’re away for more than a day, whether it’s a weekend in a tent, a stay at a campsite, or a few nights in the countryside, a compact portable power station earns its place. It keeps phones for maps and tickets going, runs lanterns at bedtime, and can top up a camera or mini fridge without hunting for a hook-up.
The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus (Wireless) Portable Power Station is a solid option for family camping because it strikes a balance between size and strength. With 286Wh of capacity and a 600W AC output (boosting up to 1200W when needed), it can handle more than phones. Think fairy lights in the tent, a fan on a warm night, or keeping a portable fridge humming along.
The Qi2 wireless 15W charging pad on top is a small detail that pays off when a cable goes missing. One clever touch is the detachable 5000mAh RAPID power bank, handy for short trips to the beach or the playground when you don’t want to carry the whole unit.
Back at base, it recharges quickly: from the mains you can go 0–100% in around an hour, or you can plug in solar for off-grid power.
Pair it with the EcoFlow 45W Portable Solar Panel, and you’ve got a simple, packable way to keep topped up while you’re outdoors. The foldable four-panel design is light enough to throw in the car boot, and the USB-C port means you can charge phones and gadgets directly while you’re at the picnic bench.
With up to 25% conversion efficiency and an IP68 waterproof rating, it’s tough enough for unpredictable weather. Built-in hooks let you hang it from a tent or car window, and it’s designed to work neatly with the RIVER 3 series.
Conclusion
Whether you’re heading for big attractions, quiet countryside walks, or a seaside escape, there’s no shortage of memorable days out with the kids across the UK. With a bit of planning and a flexible approach, each trip can be less stressful for parents and more exciting for children. Use these ideas and tips as inspiration, then make them your own. After all, the best family days are the ones where everyone comes home smiling, a little tired, and ready to do it all again.
FAQs
Where to spend a day with kids?
If you’ve got just one day, go for places that mix fun, learning, and a bit of fresh air. Museums like the Science Museum in London are free, hands-on, and brilliant for curious little ones. Animal lovers will enjoy a trip to Chester Zoo, or you could follow story trails in Forestry England woods.
If you prefer heritage and big playgrounds, National Trust places often add trails, dressing-up and adventure play to gorgeous gardens. Pack a picnic, plan a few stops, and you’ll have a relaxed day without breaking the bank.
Where to take children in the Midlands?
The Midlands is full of family-friendly gems. Thinktank in Birmingham is perfect for kids who like pressing buttons and exploring science. For animal adventures, try West Midlands Safari Park or Twycross Zoo with its Gruffalo-themed area.
If your child loves trains, Thomas Land at Drayton Manor is always a winner. For something a bit different, head to the Heights of Abraham in Derbyshire: cable cars, caves, and playgrounds all in one trip. Most spots get busy during school holidays, so book ahead and arrive early.
What UK theme parks are best for young children?
For toddlers and younger kids, a few parks really stand out. Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park is made for little riders and fans of the show. CBeebies Land at Alton Towers has gentle rides, live shows, and easy facilities for families.
LEGOLAND Windsor is a hit too. Check out the DUPLO Valley splash area. Gulliver’s Parks are another safe bet, designed especially for under-13s. These parks are easygoing, full of characters kids know, and offer plenty of seating and picnic spots for parents.
What are some free days out with kids in the UK?
You don’t need to spend much to keep kids entertained. Many top museums, like the Natural History Museum or British Museum in London, are free to enter. In Leeds, the Royal Armouries is another brilliant option, with live demonstrations that grab children’s attention.
For outdoor fun, city farms like Hackney City Farm let little ones meet animals without a price tag. Parks, adventure playgrounds, and local trails also make for easy, no-cost days. Just check if places charge for extras like parking or exhibitions.